Magnus Carlsen vs Andrey Esipenko
GM Magnus Carlsen (2823) · GM Andrey Esipenko (2678)
Magnus Carlsen and Andrey Esipenko have played 23 recorded games against each other, the first in Jan 2021 and the most recent in Jun 2026. Carlsen leads 10 wins to 5, with 8 draws (65% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Catalan (3 games). The average game between them lasted 45 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Esipenko |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsen with White | 12 | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| Esipenko with White | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Esipenko |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 15 | 9 | 3 | 3 |
| Classical | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Rapid | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Esipenko |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E11 | Catalan | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| C54 | Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| A45 | Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| B41 | Sicilian | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| B84 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| C54 | Italian Game | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| A07 | Réti Opening | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| C54 | Italian Game: Classical Variation | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2026 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1-0 | Réti Opening | 2026 ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup | Championship Stage |
| Jun 2026 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 1-0 | Sicilian | 2026 ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup | Championship Stage |
| Jun 2026 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1-0 | Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense | 2026 ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup | Championship Stage |
| Dec 2025 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1-0 | Bird's opening | Titled Tue |
| Sep 2025 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Sicilian | Titled Tue |
| Mar 2025 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 0-1 | Clemenz Opening | Titled Tue Early |
| Feb 2025 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Indian Defense | Chessable Masters Winners |
| Feb 2025 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1/2-1/2 | Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation | Chessable Masters Winners |
| Feb 2025 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1-0 | Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation | Chessable Masters Winners |
| Feb 2025 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Nimzo-Indian Defense | Chessable Masters Winners |
| Jul 2024 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1-0 | Italian Game | Titled Tue Late |
| Jul 2024 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense | Titled Tue Early |
| Feb 2022 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 1-0 | Italian Game | Airthings Masters Prelim |
| Jan 2022 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Slav Defense | 84th Tata Steel Masters |
| Jul 2021 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1-0 | Catalan | FIDE World Cup |
| Jul 2021 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1/2-1/2 | Catalan | FIDE World Cup |
| Jul 2021 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 1-0 | Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo | FIDE World Cup |
| Jul 2021 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Italian Game: Classical Variation | FIDE World Cup |
| Jul 2021 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1-0 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | FIDE World Cup |
| Jul 2021 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo | FIDE World Cup |
| Jul 2021 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo | FIDE World Cup |
| Jul 2021 | Magnus Carlsen | Andrey Esipenko | 1/2-1/2 | Catalan | FIDE World Cup |
| Jan 2021 | Andrey Esipenko | Magnus Carlsen | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 83rd Tata Steel Masters |
Interactive board, all 23 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Magnus Carlsen and Andrey Esipenko?
In 23 recorded games, Magnus Carlsen has 10 wins, Andrey Esipenko has 5 wins, and they have drawn 8 times.
How many times have Magnus Carlsen and Andrey Esipenko played each other?
Our database records 23 games between them, from Jan 2021 to Jun 2026.
What openings do Magnus Carlsen and Andrey Esipenko play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Catalan (3 games), followed by the Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo (3). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.